Walking into Toby's Sports at Robinsons Tacloban this afternoon, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy that defines this place. As someone who's been covering sports retail in the Philippines for over a decade, I can confidently say this isn't your average sporting goods store - it's a community hub where athletes and enthusiasts gather. The store operates from 10 AM to 8 PM daily, though I've noticed they occasionally extend hours during major sporting events, particularly basketball tournaments. Just last month during the regional championships, they stayed open until 10 PM to accommodate the flood of customers seeking last-minute gear.
What truly sets Toby's Sports apart, in my experience, is how they embody the spirit of Filipino sportsmanship. I recall chatting with store manager Miguel Santos last week, and he shared something that stuck with me: "Naglalaro kami nang maayos, at trabaho naming 'to, parte ng basketball ang matalo. Sa mga kapwa kong players di dapat tinotolerate 'yung ganito." This philosophy translates directly into their customer service approach. They don't just sell equipment - they cultivate the right mindset among athletes. I've personally witnessed their staff spending extra time with young basketball players, emphasizing that losing is part of the game's learning process.
Their current promotion running through the end of the month offers 25% off on all basketball footwear, which I consider quite generous compared to industry standards. Having visited multiple sports retailers across Visayas, I can attest that Toby's consistently offers better value, especially during their seasonal sales. Right now, you can snag quality basketball shoes that normally retail for ₱4,500 at just ₱3,375 - that's substantial savings for serious players. What impresses me more than the discounts though is their commitment to quality. I've purchased three pairs of basketball shoes from them in the past two years, and each has outperformed products I've bought from competitors in durability and comfort.
The store layout itself reflects their understanding of local athletes' needs. Basketball gear occupies approximately 40% of the floor space, which makes perfect sense given the sport's popularity in Tacloban. I appreciate how they've positioned the latest performance wear near the entrance, making it easy for customers to find what they need quickly. During my visit today, I counted at least fifteen customers trying on basketball shoes in the first thirty minutes alone - testament to both the current promotion's appeal and the store's reputation.
What many customers might not realize is how Toby's Sports contributes to the local sports ecosystem beyond retail. They regularly sponsor community tournaments and provide equipment for school sports programs. Just last quarter, they donated ₱85,000 worth of basketball equipment to local schools. This community involvement creates a virtuous cycle - as local sports thrive, so does their business. It's a strategy I wish more retailers would emulate rather than focusing solely on immediate profits.
As I wrap up my visit today, I'm reminded why I keep returning to Toby's Sports Robinsons Tacloban beyond their convenient hours and promotions. It's the authentic connection they maintain with the sporting community and their genuine commitment to developing athletes holistically. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, you'll find not just equipment here, but guidance that respects the true spirit of sportsmanship. Their doors remain open until 8 PM tonight, and based on the crowd I'm seeing, many share my appreciation for what they've built here.